Houston County Sheriff's Office deputies nabbed a man in Lovelady early Thursday morning, Aug. 14 who was wanted in connection with a murder committed in Houston the night before.
According to Harris County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Larry Davis, witnesses identified 53-year-old Clarence Ray Spiller as the suspect in the Wednesday night, Aug. 13 stabbing of 28-year-old Shante Knox at an apartment in the 5300 block of Aeropark in Houston.
Witnesses told authorities that after the incident Spiller fled the area in a silver 1999 Pontiac.
Houston County Sheriff Darrell Bobbitt said Harris County Sheriff's Office authorities contacted his office Thursday about 3 a.m. and said the suspect in the 8 p.m. Wednesday murder was thought to have relatives in the Lovelady area.
Sheriff Bobbitt said his deputies discovered there was a possibility that the suspect had relatives in the Centergrove area, near FM 1280 and CR 4200, and sent a deputy to investigate.
The deputy reported spotting the suspect's vehicle in the driveway of a home on CR 4200.
HCSO deputies surrounded the home and began an intense surveillance of the area.
Deputies noticed some movement in the suspect's vehicle and as daylight broke about 6:15 a.m. moved in and took the man into custody.
"We appreciate the efforts and prompt action of the Houston County Sheriff's Office in capturing the suspect in this case," said Sgt. Davis.
Reports indicate that Spiller and Ms. Knox had known each other for several years prior to the incident.
Authorities said Ms. Knox was at her apartment when Spiller arrived at a neighbor's home. The pair became involved in an argument and Spiller reportedly produced a knife and stabbed Ms. Knox.
Ms. Knox was transported to LBJ Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Harris County Sheriff's Office Homicide personnel and crime scene investigator's traveled to Crockett Thursday morning and transported Spiller back to Harris County where he will be charged with murder.
While in Crockett, Harris County Sheriff's Office investigator's also processed Spiller's vehicle and made arrangements to have the vehicle returned to Houston as well.
Sgt. Davis said based on his past criminal record Spiller would be held without bond.
If convicted, Spiller faces 5-99 years in the Texas Department of Corrections.